characterize

1characterize somebody/somethingto be typical of a person, place, or thingthe rolling hills that characterize this part of Virginia

2characterize somebody/something[often passive]to give something its typical or most noticeable qualities or featuresThe city is characterized by tall modern buildings of steel and glass.

3characterize somebody/something (as something)to describe or show the qualities of someone or something in a particular wayactivities that are characterized as “male” or “female” workHow would you characterize the mood of the 1990s?